RTTUZYUW RUEWMCS0000 3471554-UUUU--RUCRNAD.
ZNR UUUUU
R 131554Z DEC 11
FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//DNS//
TO NAVADMIN
BT
UNCLAS//N05720//
NAVADMIN 382/11 (CORRECTED COPY)
MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/DNS/DEC//
SUBJ: PUBLIC AFFAIRS POLICY GUIDANCE CONCERNING POLITICAL
CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS//
POC/MS. NANCY HARRITY/CIV/CHINFO/TEL: (703) 695-1887/EMAIL:
NANCY.HARRITY(AT)NAVY.MIL//
REF/A/MSG/SECDEF/271449ZAPR10//
AMPN/REF A IS SECDEF ELECTION YEAR POLICY PAG MSG//
RMKS/1. REF A IS QUOTED BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY. THIS GUIDANCE,
PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE GUIDANCE ON POLICIES FOR ELECTION YEAR
SUPPORT. REQUEST WIDEST DISSEMINATION WITHIN YOUR COMMANDS.
2. COMMANDS SHOULD CAREFULLY EVALUATE REQUESTS AND EVENTS RELATING
TO MILITARY PERSONNEL OR INSTALLATIONS THAT INVOLVE POLITICAL
ACTIVITY BY LOCAL, STATE OR NATIONAL CANDIDATES. PUBLIC AFFAIRS
OFFICERS SHOULD BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THIS GUIDANCE AND ADVISE THE
CHAIN OF COMMAND AS REQUIRED.
3. QUESTIONS BEYOND THE SCOPE OF THIS GUIDANCE SHOULD BE REFERRED TO
MS. NANCY HARRITY, OI-82, HEAD, POLICY, DOCTRINE, AND TECHNOLOGY AT
(703) 695-1887 OR EMAIL: NANCY.HARRITY(AT)NAVY.MIL.
QUOTE
UNCLASSIFIED//
271449Z APR 10
FROM PLA: SECDEF WASHINGTON DC//PA//
FROM D/N: C:US,O:U.S. GOVERNMENT,OU:DOD,OU:OSD,OU:ORGANIZATIONS,
L:WASHINGTON DC,OU:ASD(PUBLIC AFFAIRS)(UC)
SUBJECT: DOD PUBLIC AFFAIRS POLICY GUIDANCE CONCERNING POLITICAL
CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS ADDRESSES
PASS TO ALL SUBORDINATE COMMANDS
TEXT:
SUBJ: DOD PUBLIC AFFAIRS POLICY GUIDANCE CONCERNING
POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS ADDRESSEES PASS TO ALL SUBORDINATE
COMMANDS
REFS:
A. SECDEF MSG 281449Z JAN 08, DOD PUBLIC AFFAIRS POLICY GUIDANCE
CONCERNING POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS.
B. DOD DIRECTIVE 1344.10, POLITICAL ACTIVITIES BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED
FORCES ON ACTIVE DUTY.
C. 5 U.S.C. 7321-7326, THE HATCH ACT OF 1939, AS AMENDED IN 1993.
D. 5 C.F.R. PARTS 733-734, POLITICAL ACTIVITIES OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.
E. DOD DIRECTIVE 5230.9, CLEARANCE OF DOD INFORMATION FOR PUBLIC
RELEASE.
F. DOD INSTRUCTION 5120.4, DOD NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES AND CIVILIAN
ENTERPRISE PUBLICATIONS.
G. DOD INSTRUCTION 1100.13, SURVEYS OF DOD PERSONNEL.
H. DOD DIRECTIVE 5120.20, ARMED FORCES RADIO AND TELEVISION SERVICE
(AFRTS).
I. DOD REGULATION 5120.20-R, MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF AFRTS
J. DOD INSTRUCTION 1334.1, WEARING THE UNIFORM.
K. AFI 36-2903, DRESS AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF AIR FORCE PERSONNEL.
L. AR 670-1, WEAR AND APPEARANCE OF ARMY UNIFORMS AND INSIGNIA.
M. NAVPERS 15665I, UNITED STATES NAVY UNIFORM REGULATIONS.
N. MCO P1020.34G, MARINE CORPS UNIFORM REGULATIONS.
O. DOD DIRECTIVE 5410.18, PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMUNITY RELATIONS POLICY.
P. DOD INSTRUCTION 5410.19, PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMUNITY RELATIONS POLICY
IMPLEMENTATION.
Q. DOD DIRECTIVE 1000.04, FEDERAL VOTING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (FVAP).
R. 2010-2011 DOD VOTING ASSISTANCE GUIDE, AS AMENDED.
S. DOD DIRECTIVE 1344.13, IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL VOTER
REGISTRATION ACT (NVRA) THIS PUBLIC AFFAIRS GUIDANCE SUPERSEDES THE
PREVIOUS MESSAGE DATED 281449Z JAN 2008.
T. DOD MEMORANDUM, POLICY GUIDANCE FOR VISITS TO INSTALLATIONS BY
CANDIDATES FOR POLITICAL OFFICE, DATED NOVEMBER 4, 2008.
2. COMMANDERS SHALL COMPLY WITH THIS POLICY GUIDANCE CONCERNING
POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS. THIS GUIDANCE GOVERNS ACTIVITIES
RELATING TO FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND
ELECTIONS. CONSISTENT WITH THIS GUIDANCE, COMMANDERS SHOULD ENCOURAGE
AND WELCOME VISITS BY CANDIDATES SEEKING TO RECEIVE BRIEFINGS, TOURS,
OR OTHER OFFICIAL DOD INFORMATION. FURTHER, NOTHING IN THIS GUIDANCE
IS INTENDED TO INHIBIT THE APPROPRIATE REPRESENTATION BY ELECTED
OFFICIALS OF CONSTITUENTS WHO HAPPEN TO LIVE OR WORK ON A MILITARY
INSTALLATION. FURTHERMORE, THE PROHIBITIONS OF THIS MESSAGE APPLIES
WITH EQUAL FORCE TO NON-CANDIDATES WHO SEEK TO CAMPAIGN FOR OR
CONDUCT ELECTION ACTIVITY ON BEHALF OF A CANDIDATE. A CANDIDATE FOR
CIVIL OFFICE AS DEFINED BY DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE DIRECTIVE 1344.10,
POLITICAL ACTIVITIES OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES, MAY NOT BE
PERMITTED TO ENGAGE IN CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION-RELATED ACTIVITIES
(E.G., PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES, TOWN HALL MEETINGS, SPEECHES, FUNDRAISERS,
PRESS CONFERENCES, POST-ELECTION CELEBRATIONS, AND CONCESSION
ADDRESSES) WHILE ON A UNITED STATES MILITARY INSTALLATION, WHICH
INCLUDES OVERSEAS INSTALLATIONS AND AREAS UNDER THE OPERATIONAL
CONTROL OF COMBAT OR PEACEKEEPING FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES
MILITARY.
3. THIS MESSAGE SUPERSEDES REF. A, AND SHALL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL
AMENDED. ADDRESSEES WILL ENSURE WIDEST DISSEMINATION, IMPLEMENTATION,
AND COMPLIANCE.
4. NATIONAL GUARD ARMORIES AND OTHER STATE FACILITIES SHOULD REVIEW
APPLICABLE STATE LAW FOR ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE AND RESTRICTIONS.
5. POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS DEFINED. A POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR
ELECTION BEGINS WHEN A CANDIDATE, INCLUDING AN INCUMBENT OFFICE
HOLDER, MAKES A FORMAL ANNOUNCEMENT THAT HE OR SHE SEEKS TO BE
ELECTED TO A FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL POLITICAL OFFICE. A POLITICAL
CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION ALSO BEGINS WHEN AN INDIVIDUAL FILES A
CANDIDACY WITH THE FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION OR EQUIVALENT STATE
OR LOCAL REGULATORY OFFICE. ONCE INITIATED, A POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR
ELECTION DOES NOT END UNTIL ONE WEEK AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF THE
RELEVANT ELECTION.
6. GENERAL POLICY. AS A MATTER OF LONG-STANDING POLICY, DOD
PERSONNEL ACTING IN THEIR OFFICIAL CAPACITY MAY NOT ENGAGE IN
ACTIVITIES THAT ASSOCIATE DOD WITH ANY PARTISAN POLITICAL CAMPAIGN
OR ELECTION, CANDIDATE, CAUSE OR ISSUE. THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
DOES NOT ENGAGE IN PARTISAN POLITICAL ACTIVITIES. THEREFORE, ITS
INTERACTION WITH CANDIDATES FOR POLITICAL OFFICE MUST NOT IMPLY OR
APPEAR TO IMPLY SPONSORSHIP, APPROVAL, OR ENDORSEMENT OF ANY SUCH
CANDIDATES OR POLITICAL VIEWS. POLITICAL ACTIVITY BY MEMBERS OF THE
ARMED FORCES CONTINUES TO BE GOVERNED BY REFERENCE B. POLITICAL
ACTIVITY BY FEDERAL CIVILIAN PERSONNEL CONTINUES TO BE GOVERNED BY
REFERENCES C AND D.
7. INQUIRIES FROM POLITICAL CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATIONS. DOD PERSONNEL
MUST FORWARD ALL INQUIRIES FROM POLITICAL CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATIONS
TO A PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER (PAO) FOR AWARENESS AND APPROPRIATE
ACTION. IN RESPONSE TO SPECIFIC INQUIRIES, PAOS WILL ONLY PROVIDE
INFORMATION THAT IS AVAILABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. REFERENCE E
PERTAINS. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO INQUIRIES FROM THE OFFICIAL OFFICES
OR STAFF OF ELECTED OFFICIALS.
8. DOD NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES, AND PUBLICATIONS. PER REFERENCE F, DOD
NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES, AND CIVILIAN ENTERPRISE PUBLICATIONS WILL
NOT PUBLISH INFORMATION PROVIDED BY A CANDIDATE'S CAMPAIGN
ORGANIZATION, PARTISAN ADVERTISEMENTS AND DISCUSSIONS, OR CARTOONS,
EDITORIALS, AND COMMENTARIES DEALING WITH POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS OR
ELECTIONS, CANDIDATES, CAUSES, OR ISSUES. PER REFERENCE G, DOD
NEWSPAPERS AND CIVILIAN ENTERPRISE PUBLICATIONS MAY NOT CONDUCT
OR PUBLISH POLLS, SURVEYS, OR STRAW VOTES RELATING TO POLITICAL
CAMPAIGNS OR ELECTIONS, CANDIDATES, CAUSES, OR ISSUES.
9. ARMED FORCES RADIO AND TELEVISION SERVICE (AFRTS) PER REFERENCES
H AND I, AFRTS WILL PROVIDE A FREE FLOW OF BALANCED, INFORMATIONAL
COVERAGE OF POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS PROVIDED BY U.S.
COMMERCIAL AND PUBLIC NETWORKS FREE OF CHARGE. AFRTS WILL EXERCISE
GREAT CARE TO PROVIDE NEWS REGARDING POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND
ELECTIONS ABSENT POLITICAL COMMENT, ANALYSIS, OR INTERPRETATION.
ALTHOUGH AFRTS MAY INCLUDE POLITICAL COMMENT, ANALYSIS, OR
INTERPRETATION FROM SOURCES PROVIDED BY U.S. COMMERCIAL AND PUBLIC
NETWORKS FREE OF CHARGE AS PART OF ITS INFORMATIONAL COVERAGE,
AFRTS WILL NOT SUPPORT OR OPPOSE ANY CANDIDATES, CAUSES, OR ISSUES.
ADDITIONALLY, AFRTS WILL NOT BROADCAST ADVERTISEMENTS OR
ANNOUNCEMENTS PAID FOR BY A CANDIDATE, AN ORGANIZED POLITICAL PARTY,
OR A PRIVATE GROUP SEEKING TO INFLUENCE THE OUTCOME OF A POLITICAL
CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION.
10. USE OF INSTALLATION FACILITIES BY CANDIDATES.
A. INSTALLATION COMMANDERS WILL NOT PERMIT THE USE OF INSTALLATION
FACILITIES BY ANY CANDIDATE FOR POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION
EVENTS, INCLUDING: PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES OR TOWN HALL MEETINGS, SPEECHES,
FUNDRAISERS, PRESS CONFERENCES, POST-ELECTION CELEBRATIONS, AND
CONCESSION ADDRESSES. THIS POLICY DOES NOT PROHIBIT MEMBERS OF
CONGRESS AND OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS FROM VISITING MILITARY
INSTALLATIONS TO RECEIVE BRIEFINGS, TOURS, OR OTHER OFFICIAL DOD
INFORMATION. INSTALLATION COMMANDERS WILL ENSURE THAT CANDIDATES WHO
VISIT MILITARY INSTALLATIONS TO CONDUCT OFFICIAL BUSINESS DO NOT
ENGAGE IN ANY POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION ACTIVITY DURING THE
VISIT. THE PRECEDING PROHIBITION DOES NOT APPLY TO THE PRESIDENT,
VICE PRESIDENT OR SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
B. THIS PROHIBITION DOES NOT LIMIT ACCESS TO A UNITED STATES
INSTALLATION BY A CANDIDATE WHO HOLDS A CIVIL OFFICE WITH
RESPONSIBILITIES THAT AFFECT THAT INSTALLATION OR THOSE WHO LIVE OR
WORK THERE, IN THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS:
(1) WHEN THE CANDIDATE SEEKS TO CONDUCT OFFICIAL BUSINESS ON THE
INSTALLATION; OR
(2) WHEN THE CANDIDATE SEEKS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ACTIVITIES,
SERVICES, OR RESOURCES THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO HIM OR HER BY VIRTUE OF
LAW OR POLICY, SUCH AS RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC OR
ENTITLEMENTS OR BENEFITS SUCH AS MEDICAL FACILITIES, COMMISSARIES,
OR POST/BASE EXCHANGES. INSTALLATION COMMANDERS SHOULD ENSURE THAT
CANDIDATES WHO ENTER AN INSTALLATION FOR ONE OF THE TWO PURPOSES
NOTED IN PARAGRAPHS 10B (1) AND 10B (2) DO NOT ENGAGE IN ANY CAMPAIGN
OR ELECTION ACTIVITY DURING THE VISIT.
A. CANDIDATES WHO ARE NOT CURRENT OFFICE HOLDERS OR SERVING
GOVERNMENTAL OFFICIALS SHOULD HAVE THE SAME ACCESS TO INSTALLATIONS
AS ANY UNOFFICIAL VISITOR.
B. INSTALLATION COMMANDERS SHOULD COORDINATE WITH THEIR LEGAL OFFICE
AND FORWARD NOTICE OF CONTACT FROM A PRESIDENTIAL OR VICE PRESIDENTIAL
CAMPAIGN TO THEIR LOCAL SERVICE PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE FOR
COORDINATION WITH THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY CONCERNED.
C. WHEN ANALYZING A CANDIDATE'S REQUEST FOR ACCESS TO AN INSTALLATION,
THE COMMANDER SHOULD FIRST DETERMINE WHETHER THE REQUEST IS TO CONDUCT
OFFICIAL, PERSONAL, OR CAMPAIGN BUSINESS. THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF REQUESTS
ARE PRESUMED TO BE FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES AND SHALL GENERALLY BE DENIED:
REQUEST FOR ACCESS TO MILITARY INSTALLATIONS OR FACILITIES FROM CAMPAIGN
ORGANIZATIONS - AS OPPOSED TO THE OFFICIAL STAFF OF THE OFFICE THAT THE
CANDIDATE CURRENTLY HOLDS; REQUESTS FOR ACCESS TO MILITARY INSTALLATIONS
OR FACILITIES BY SPOUSES OR FAMILY MEMBERS OF CANDIDATES WHEN SUCH SPOUSES
OR FAMILY MEMBERS ARE NOT OTHERWISE ENTITLED TO ACCESS BY LAW OR POLICY OR
WHO OTHERWISE DO NOT HAVE AN INDEPENDENT OFFICIAL PURPOSE; AND REQUESTS FOR
ACCESS TO MILITARY INSTALLATIONS OR FACILITIES THAT INCLUDE ACCOMPANIMENT
BY CAMPAIGN STAFF AND/OR PRESS.
D. TO AVOID THE APPEARANCE OF PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT, INSTALLATION
COMMANDERS SHOULD OFFER ALL CANDIDATES FOR CIVIL OFFICE WHO ARE NOT
CURRENT MEMBERS OF CONGRESS OR SERVING GOVERNMENTAL OFFICIALS THE
SAME ACCESS TO INSTALLATIONS AS ANY OTHER UNOFFICIAL VISITOR.
E. INSTALLATION COMMANDERS SHOULD CONSULT THE OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS FOR GUIDANCE OR
INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING SPECIFIC VISITATION REQUESTS.
11. MEDIA COVERAGE OF INSTALLATION VISITS. BEFORE AN INSTALLATION
COMMANDER INVITES A CANDIDATE ONTO AN INSTALLATION TO PARTICIPATE IN
OFFICIAL BUSINESS OR OTHERWISE GRANTS A CANDIDATE ACCESS FOR SUCH
PURPOSES, THE COMMANDER SHOULD COORDINATE WITH HIS OR HER LEGAL
ADVISOR AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER. THE MEDIA MAY BE GRANTED
ACCESS TO COVER THE CANDIDATE'S OFFICIAL BUSINESS. WHEN AN
INSTALLATION COMMANDER INVITES A CANDIDATE TO AN INSTALLATION TO
PARTICIPATE IN OFFICIAL BUSINESS, AND THE MEDIA IS GRANTED ACCESS TO
COVER THE EVENT, THE CANDIDATE MAY APPEAR ON CAMERA AND IN
PHOTOGRAPHS AS AN OFFICIAL PARTICIPANT AND MAY MAKE A STATEMENT OR
ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT THE OFFICIAL BUSINESS BEING CONDUCTED. UNDER
NO CIRCUMSTANCES MAY A CANDIDATE RECEIVE APPROVAL TO MAKE A CAMPAIGN
OR ELECTION-RELATED STATEMENT OR TO RESPOND TO A CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION-
RELATED MEDIA QUERY. THE INSTALLATION COMMANDER WILL NOT REQUEST THAT
THE CANDIDATE'S REMARKS BE REVIEWED BEFOREHAND; HOWEVER, NO FOOTAGE,
PHOTOGRAPHS, OR STATEMENTS TAKEN OR RECORDED DURING SUCH OFFICIAL
BUSINESS MAY BE USED BY THE CANDIDATE'S CAMPAIGN FOR ANY CAMPAIGN OR
ELECTION-RELATED PURPOSE. WHEN A CANDIDATE FOR CIVIL OFFICE ARRIVES OR
DEPARTS A MILITARY INSTALLATION VIA MILITARY AIRCRAFT, THE
INSTALLATION COMMANDER WILL NOT AUTHORIZE MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE
ARRIVAL OR DEPARTURE IF THE ELECTED OFFICIAL'S ITINERARY INCLUDES
POLITICAL CAMPAIGNING OR ELECTION ACTIVITY IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
THE PRECEDING PROHIBITION DOES NOT APPLY TO THE PRESIDENT, THE VICE
PRESIDENT, OR THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WHEN THE
PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, OR SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE ARRIVES OR DEPARTS
A MILITARY INSTALLATION VIA MILITARY AIRCRAFT AND PART OF THAT
OFFICIAL'S ITINERARY INCLUDES POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION ACTIVITY
IN SUPPORT OF A PARTICULAR CANDIDATE, THE INSTALLATION COMMANDER WILL
ALLOW THE MEDIA A PHOTO OPPORTUNITY TO COVER THE ARRIVAL OR DEPARTURE
OF THE PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, OR SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE. INSTALLATION
COMMANDERS ANTICIPATING A VISIT BY THE PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, OR SPEAKER
OF THE HOUSE THAT MAY INVOLVE POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION ACTIVITIES
SHOULD COORDINATE WITH OSD (LA), AND STAFF ASSISTANTS PLANNING THE VISIT
TO ENSURE ALL CONCERNED ARE AWARE OF THE PROVISIONS OF DOD'S PUBLIC AFFAIRS
POLICY GUIDANCE.
12. SUPPORT OF POLITICAL EVENTS BY MILITARY PERSONNEL. DOD MAINTAINS A
LONG-STANDING POLICY THAT DOD PERSONNEL ACTING IN THEIR OFFICIAL
CAPACITY MAY NOT ENGAGE IN ACTIVITIES THAT ASSOCIATE DOD WITH ANY
PARTISAN POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION, CANDIDATE, CAUSE, OR ISSUE.
CONSISTENT WITH THIS POLICY GUIDANCE, INSTALLATION COMMANDERS WILL
DECLINE REQUESTS FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL TO APPEAR IN OR SUPPORT
POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION EVENTS. ALL MILITARY PERSONNEL,
INCLUDING NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE FORCES, ARE PROHIBITED FROM
WEARING MILITARY UNIFORMS AT POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION EVENTS.
REFERENCES J, K, L, M AND N PERTAIN. THIS POLICY IS NOT APPLICABLE TO
THE PROVISION OF JOINT ARMED FORCES COLOR GUARDS AT THE OPENING
CEREMONIES OF THE NATIONAL CONVENTIONS OF THE REPUBLICAN, DEMOCRATIC,
AND OTHER POLITICAL PARTIES FORMALLY RECOGNIZED BY THE FEDERAL
ELECTION COMMISSION.
13. PUBLIC COMMENTARY BY MILITARY PERSONNEL. NO MILITARY PERSONNEL,
INCLUDING NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE FORCES, ACTING IN THEIR OFFICIAL
CAPACITY, MAY ENGAGE IN PUBLIC COMMENTARY, INCLUDING SPEECHES AND
WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS OFFERED FOR PUBLICATION, CONCERNING POLITICAL
CAMPAIGNS OR ELECTIONS ABSENT PRIOR CLEARANCE. REFS. B, E, F, O,
AND P PERTAIN.
14. POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION LITERATURE. MILITARY MEMBERS ON
ACTIVE DUTY AND MEMBERS ON FULL-TIME NATIONAL GUARD DUTY SHALL NOT
DISTRIBUTE PARTISAN POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION LITERATURE. THOSE
NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY AND WHO ARE NOT IN A FULL-TIME NATIONAL GUARD DUTY
STATUS, SHALL NOT DISTRIBUTE PARTISAN POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION
LITERATURE WHILE IN UNIFORM, WHILE ACTING IN THEIR OFFICIAL CAPACITY,
OR WHILE ON A MILITARY INSTALLATION. INSTALLATION COMMANDERS WILL ONLY
ALLOW DISTRIBUTION OF POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION LITERATURE ON
INSTALLATIONS AS AUTHORIZED BY MILITARY DEPARTMENT REGULATIONS.
15. FILMING, PHOTOGRAPHING, OR TAPING ON MILITARY INSTALLATIONS.
INSTALLATION COMMANDERS WILL NOT ALLOW CANDIDATES OR THEIR AGENTS TO
FILM, PHOTOGRAPH, OR TAPE MILITARY EQUIPMENT (E.G. SHIPS, TANKS, AND
AIRCRAFT) FOR USE IN POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS,
COMMERCIALS, OR LITERATURE. ABSENT EXCEPTIONAL OPERATIONAL SECURITY
CONCERNS, THIS GUIDANCE DOES NOT APPLY TO CANDIDATES OR THEIR
ASSISTANTS WHO ELECT TO FILM, PHOTOGRAPH, OR TAPE MILITARY EQUIPMENT
FROM A LOCATION OUTSIDE THE CONFINES OF AN INSTALLATION. THIS DOES NOT
APPLY TO IMAGERY OF ELECTED OFFICIALS CAPTURED WHILE ON OFFICIAL
BUSINESS OR TRAVEL.
16. FEDERAL VOTING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. DOD ENCOURAGES ALL ACTIVE DUTY
MILITARY AND CIVILIAN PERSONNEL AND THEIR ELIGIBLE FAMILY MEMBERS TO
REGISTER AND VOTE. CONSISTENT WITH REFERENCES O AND P, DOD WILL
SUPPORT THE FEDERAL VOTING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM BY PUBLISHING FACTUAL
INFORMATION ABOUT REGISTRATION AND VOTING LAWS, WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS
ON ABSENTEE VOTING REQUIREMENTS. ADDITIONALLY, COMMANDERS WILL PROVIDE
VOTING ASSISTANCE OFFICERS AT EVERY LEVEL OF COMMAND, AND ENSURE THEY
ARE TRAINED AND EQUIPPED TO PROVIDE VOTING ASSISTANCE. ALL PERSONS
ASSISTING IN THE VOTING PROCESS SHALL TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO PREVENT
FRAUD AND TO PROTECT VOTERS AGAINST ANY COERCION, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING:
NO MEMBER OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES SHALL ATTEMPT TO INFLUENCE THE VOTE OF
ANY OTHER MEMBER, OR TO REQUIRE ANY MEMBER TO MARCH TO ANY POLLING PLACE OR
PLACE OF VOTING AS PRESCRIBED UNDER 18 U.S.C. 608 AND 609 [NEW REFERENCE].
NOTHING IN THIS GUIDANCE SHALL BE CONSIDERED TO PROHIBIT FREE DISCUSSION ABOUT
POLITICAL ISSUES OR CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE AS PRESCRIBED IN
18 U.S.C 596, 608 AND 609 [NEW REFERENCE AS ABOVE]. COMMANDERS RESPONSIBLE
FOR OPERATION OF MILITARY POST OFFICES SHOULD ENSURE EXPEDITIOUS PROCESSING
OF BALLOTING MATERIAL AND PROPER POSTMARKING AND DATE STAMPING OF ABSENTEE
BALLOTS. VOTING ASSISTANCE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE DIRECTOR,
FEDERAL VOTING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, 1155 DEFENSE PENTAGON, WASHINGTON, D.C.
20301-1155. VOTING ASSISTANCE INFORMATION ALSO IS AVAILABLE BY TELEPHONE AT
COMMERCIAL (800) 438-8683, (703) 588-1584, DSN 425-1584, BY FAX (703) 696-
1352,
DSN 426-1352, BY E-MAIL (ALL LOWER CASE) VOTE(AT)FVAP.GOV
, OR AT WEBSITE WWW.FVAP.GOV .
17. NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION ACT. ARMED FORCES RECRUITMENT OFFICES
MUST REVIEW REFERENCE Q TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE NATIONAL VOTER
REGISTRATION ACT.
18. INSTALLATION FACILITIES AS POLLING PLACES:
A. IF AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2000, AN INSTALLATION FACILITY WAS DESIGNATED AS AN
OFFICIAL POLLING PLACE BY A STATE OR LOCAL ELECTION OFFICIAL OR HAS BEEN USED
AS A POLLING PLACE SINCE JANUARY 1, 1996, INSTALLATION COMMANDERS SHALL NOT
DENY THE USE OF THAT FACILITY AS A POLLING PLACE FOR FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL
ELECTIONS. THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE OR THE SECRETARY OF THE MILITARY
DEPARTMENT
CONCERNED MAY GRANT A WAIVER OF THE REQUIREMENT TO ALLOW USE OF THE FACILITY
IF
THAT SECRETARY DETERMINES THAT LOCAL SECURITY CONDITIONS REQUIRE PROHIBITION
OF
THE DESIGNATION OR USE OF THAT FACILITY AS AN OFFICIAL POLLING PLACE FOR ANY
ELECTION. BECAUSE LOCATING POLLING PLACES ON A MILITARY INSTALLATION MAY CAUSE
DOD PERSONNEL INADVERTENTLY TO VIOLATE ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING
STATUTES: 18 U.S.C. 592, 593, 594, 596, 602, 603, 606, 607, AND 609;
INSTALLATION COMMANDERS SHOULD ENSURE THAT ALL ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL
REMAIN CLEAR OF SUCH POLLING PLACES EXCEPT AS NECESSARY TO EXERCISE THEIR
INDIVIDUAL VOTING RIGHTS.
B. WITH RESPECT TO ANY INSTALLATION FACILITY NOT COVERED BY PARA.17.A,
INSTALLATION COMMANDERS SHOULD NOT ALLOW THE USE OF INSTALLATION FACILITIES
AS POLLING PLACES FOR FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL ELECTIONS.
19. THE POINT OF CONTACT FOR MEDIA QUESTIONS REGARDING DOD PUBLIC AFFAIRS
POLICY GUIDANCE CONCERNING POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS IS
MAJ APRIL CUNNINGHAM, OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR PUBLIC
AFFAIRS (OASD(PA)), DOD PRESS OPERATIONS OFFICE, AT COMMERCIAL (703) 697-5131
OR DSN 227-5131. ADDITIONALLY, LEGAL INTERPRETATION OF THIS GUIDANCE IS
AVAILABLE FROM LOCAL LEGAL ADVISORS. THE DOD GENERAL COUNSEL IS THE FINAL
AUTHORITY IN DOD FOR RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES OR OTHER SIGNIFICANT POTENTIAL
PROBLEMS CONCERNING LEGAL INTERPRETATION OF THIS GUIDANCE.
20. CONCERNS AND ISSUES INVOLVING FEDERAL CANDIDATES. ISSUES ARISING
BEYOND THE SCOPE OF THIS PAGE SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE SERVICES FOR
RESOLUTION. SERVICE PUBLIC AFFAIRS ARE DIRECTED TO NOTIFY OASD (PA)
OF ALL CONCERNS, DISPUTES, UNRESOLVED ISSUES, OR POTENTIAL PROBLEMS
REGARDING FEDERAL CANDIDATES. THE OASD (PA) POINT OF CONTACT IS
MAJ APRIL CUNNINGHAM, DOD PRESS OPERATIONS OFFICE, AT COMMERCIAL
(703) 697-5131 OR DSN 227-5131.
21. ULTIMATE AUTHORITY FOR RESOLUTION OF ANY ISSUES OR PROBLEMS RELATED TO
ELECTED OFFICIALS ON MILITARY INSTALLATIONS LIES WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF
DEFENSE GENERAL COUNSEL. INQUIRIES SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE DIRECTORS OF
HOUSE AFFAIRS, SENATE AFFAIRS, COMMUNICATIONS, OR INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
AS APPROPRIATE.
UNQUOTE
4. RELEASED BY VICE ADMIRAL J. M. BIRD, DIRECTOR, NAVY STAFF.//
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